if your mom's CT shows significant progression they would take her off Tarceva. If she is stable or shows very slight progression they will likely keep her on it. The reasoning behind mild progression is that there may be a lag between the base ct and the time an effective amount of the drug is in her system.

Tarceva is incredibly expensive and has its own list of side effects. Does she say why she wants to take it if it isn't working? There are other maintenance chemos that may work better for her.

Thank you Dennycee for your kind help. It's good to know that the Dr. may keep her on Tarceva if there is slight progression.

The reason my mother is taking Tarceva is because the Dr. said he will no longer give her chemo since the chemo damaged her heart and put her in the emergency room 3 times. He wanted to send her to hospice so we pleaded that he let her try Tarceva. He reluctantly agreed saying that Tarceva works for less than 8 percent of the patients.

My mother senses that Tarceva may be working and she is afraid that if Tarceva doesn't work, the Dr. will once again be adamant that she has to go to hospice since she can't have chemo.

The content on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions.